Oct. 25, 2012
Final Stats | Box Score 
CHICAGO - After notching two early goals against Cleveland State on Wednesday night, Loyola University Chicago men's soccer fell to the Vikings, 3-2 in overtime. The Ramblers started off strong, posting back-to-back goals just over a minute of each other as Jake Savino scored his fourth goal of the season while Reed Patterson notched his first in the 2012 campaign.
"We came out ready to play," said head coach Brendan Eitz. "We knew this game meant a lot and to put two goals in early was big. We started out great, but we didn't finish the game like we needed to."
The Ramblers were on a mission at the start of play, immediately challenging Cleveland State. Junior Reed Patterson started the night with Loyola's first shot in the fourth minute as Viking goalkeeper Brad Stuver made the save.
Freshman Jake Savino provided a strong offensive presence, notching his fourth goal of the season in the 12th minute. Savino powered a shot between the posts from 10 yards out to give the Ramblers an early 1-0 lead. Junior James Howe was credited with the assist.
Just over a minute later, Patterson was back in the mix, directing a low shot to the back left corner of the net after receiving a pass from Savino. The goal gave Loyola a 2-0 lead over the Vikings.
The Ramblers had their work cut out from them as Cleveland State challenged for possession of the game late in the half. Loyola's backline was unable to hold off a charging Viking offense, giving up a goal in the 32nd minute as Zach Ellis-Hayden chipped a shot over senior goalkeeper Peter McKeown.
Loyola worked to secure its lead heading into the intermission, but an equalizer by Mike Derezic in the 44th minute tied the game, 2-2, at the break.
A defensive stalemate unfolded at the return of play as neither team was able to produce a goal in the second half. Patterson and freshman Richard Lenke led the offensive charge for the Ramblers, notching two shots apiece late in the game.
A quick shot by Lenke with five seconds left closed regulation for the Ramblers as Stuver made the save, initiating overtime. Derezic came up big for the Vikings, scoring his second goal of the night and the game-winner with 30 seconds left in the first overtime. The goal gave Cleveland State its third conference win as the Ramblers fell, 3-2.
Loyola hits the road this weekend, traveling to Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 27. The Ramblers take on the Titans with kickoff set for 2 p.m. CDT.
